12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Attractive CGI Deck Based on RWS Imagery, February 20, 2008
This review is from: Pictorial Key Tarot (Cards)
"The deck designed by Davide Corsi, under the supervision of Lo Scarabeo editorial team is the most recent and highly evolved representation of the Pictorial Key. Even though it is ostensibly simple and essential, the images, realized with modern painting techniques, are brimming with real and relevant symbolism, ideas, and intuitions that can be applied to various existential levels: ethical, meditative, divinatory and metaphysical." - From the L(ittle) W(hite) B(ook) to the Pictorial Key Tarot
From the Italian artist who illustrated the Tarot of the Elves emerges a vibrant CGI deck firmly planted in Rider-Waite-Smith imagery--the Pictorial Key Tarot. Gleaming metal and pockmarked stone, smooth marble and rough-hewn wood interplay with luxurious fabrics, star-studded skies, rippling waters and billowy clouds, but at the center remains the familiar RWS cast of characters and symbols.
At first blush, the Pictorial Key Tarot resembles another black-bordered CGI deck: the Gilded Tarot. However, there are several differences between the two decks. In the Pictorial Key Tarot, no card names or suits grace the borders, only Roman numerals for the Major Arcana, numbers and suit symbols for the Minor Arcana, and emblems for the Court cards (i.e. a helmet for Knaves, horse head for Knights, and crowns for the Kings and Queens).
The Pictorial Key Tarot takes less interpretive risks than the Gilded Tarot with its conformity to RWS imagery, and thus lacks the unnecessary frills, filigrees and random planetary placement of the Gilded Tarot. Yet, stark it is not because although the Pictorial Key deck stays faithful to the RWS, there is enough fresh artistry to make this an interesting and appealing deck even to veteran Tarotists (for example, there is a menacing sea monster in the foreground of the Moon card rather than the traditional benign crustacean).
Absolute Tarot beginners may have trouble with the Pictorial Key Tarot only because there are no names on the cards. However, in conjunction with a solid beginner book like Learning the Tarot by Joan Bunning or the Absolute Beginner's Guide to Tarot by Mark McElroy this would make a fine deck for those starting their Tarot journey.
Although some of the faces appear slightly mannequin-like upon closer inspection, there is enough detail and character in the imagery to paint a well-rounded intuitive picture despite this drawback. There is full frontal nudity in the Lovers and The Star, so if you're uncomfortable with anatomically correct renderings or if you read for children, you may want to consider those elements.
The cards measure approximately 4 ¾ x 2 ½ inches with an attractive rose-cross emblem on back that is reversible. In addition to the deck-only version, you can order the
Pictorial Key Deluxe which comes with a tan velvet ororubus bag embroidered with red accents and satin tassels.
Personally, I'm enjoying working with the Pictorial Key Tarot and have had great success with it for spiritual contemplation. I find it familiar, comforting and clear--a wonderful deck for obtaining lucid insights and encouraging personal growth.
(To see 12 images from the Pictorial Key Tarot, visit the Reviews--Decks section at JanetBoyer.com)
Janet Boyer, author of The Back in Time Tarot Book: Picture the Past, Experience the Cards, Understand the Present (coming Fall 2008 from Hampton Roads Publishing)
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pixie and the Octopus, July 3, 2009
This review is from: Pictorial Key Tarot (Cards)
The PK Tarot is ideally suited for tarotists who are looking for another RWS clone though the nudity on cards such as the Lovers and the Star is sufficiently graphic to turn off some people. Many of the figures look cast in stone. Since it is based on Arthur Waite's Pictorial Key to the Tarot, most of the cards adhere quite closely to familiar RWS imagery.
Typical of a Lo Scarabeo deck, however, there are a few befuddling oddities. Death looks like a Hierophant from hell with two attendants bowing in worship or fear. The Moon has a nasty octopus in place of the crawfish, somewhat limiting itself to danger-related meanings. The 4 of Swords figure is cradling his head on the tomb, apparently in sorrow, rather than resting in peace. Though not completely matching Waite's Pictorial Key, it's still a good deck to have and work with, especially for those wishing to tap into Octopus Power.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pictoral Key Tarot, December 8, 2010
This review is from: Pictorial Key Tarot (Cards)
This is a beautiful deck of Tarot cards. The artwork is amazing. The colors and images really speak to me. My only complaint is that the cards are a bit on the thin side. Handling the deck as a whole isn't too bad, but when handling individual cards, they feel somewhat flimsy. Make the cards a touch thicker and sturdier and this would be a perfect deck.
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